ESF offers a worthwhile cause

Each year as residents make contributions to The Dispatch's Empty Stocking Fund the stories that validate your money is going to a worthwhile cause are abundant.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

Each year as residents make contributions to The Dispatch's Empty Stocking Fund the stories that validate your money is going to a worthwhile cause are abundant.Take the family with three children whose dad must provide for all the household's needs. This year his son would like for Santa to come to their house and bring some dinosaur toys and a toy train. The boy asked Santa to bring his little sister a doll house, crayons and a coloring book. The third sibling has speech problems and has to attend therapy three times a week. Therefore, the mother cannot work because she has to take care of and transport the child to therapy.Making a donation to the Empty Stocking Fund will ensure these children and hundreds more have a good Christmas. The fund has been bringing cheer to the underprivileged children in Davidson County since 1981. Just a little over 800 families received some kind of assistance from the Empty Stocking Fund this past year as the community contributed more than $34,000.More than 800 families again have made requests for assistance this year through the Salvation Army of Davidson County. Over 1,600 children of all ages are on the list for Christmas presents.Applications have already been reviewed by volunteers. Donations are accepted the whole year although the main drive starts the day after Thanksgiving. Donation forms for the Empty Stocking Fund run periodically in The Dispatch and can also be sent in on a sheet of paper. All donations should be mailed to The Dispatch, Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 908, Lexington, NC 27293 or delivered to the office at 30 E. First Ave. Checks should be made out to the Empty Stocking Fund.Please include the following information, typed or clearly written, with donation checks: donor's name, amount of donation and if the donation is in honor or in memory of someone. Donors can remain anonymous if they so choose.Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com.